Griffith Observatory's Ticketed Nights Are Sold Out. The Telescopes Are Not.
ABOVE has no 2026 dates left, but free public telescope viewing runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. every evening the Observatory is open.
Griffith Observatory's ticketed after-hours program, ABOVE, is sold out for every 2026 date. It is presented by the Griffith Observatory Foundation and led by Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp, and a waitlist is the only remaining option.
The free alternative is considerable. The Observatory is a City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks facility operating under a 1935 gift that required it be run for the public with no admission charge, so it charges nothing to enter the building or the grounds. It stays open until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and offers free public telescope viewing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. every evening it is open, weather permitting. Lines for each telescope close at 9:30 p.m. or earlier so viewing can finish by 9:45.
The free monthly Public Star Party returns Saturday, August 22. Free films screen in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. Planetarium shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium are the one paid element, at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for children 5 to 12.
Need to know
- Where
- 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours
- Tuesday through Friday noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Mondays. Grounds open 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Free telescope viewing 7 to 9:30 p.m. every evening the Observatory is open. Public Star Party Saturday, August 22, 2 to 9:45 p.m.
- Price
- Building and grounds admission free. Planetarium shows: adults 13 to 54 $12, seniors 55+ $10, students and teachers with ID $10, children 5 to 12 $8, members $8.
Source: Griffith Observatory